Italy's Eni and UK major BP on Wednesday signed a gas exploration and production agreement with Oman's oil and gas ministry for Block 77 in the central area of the Gulf state, Eni said in a statement.
Block 77 covers an area of 2,734 square kilometres and Eni and BP will each hold a 50% interest in the project, with Eni acting as operator, according to the statement.
Eni said that the accord "strengthens its role as an important player in The Sultanate of Oman, bringing its well-known experience in the exploration of new plays within existing oil and gas provinces".
Eni operates in Oman through its subsidiary Eni Oman.
The Italian energy giant also operates in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Lebanon and Iraq.
